Born out of the failure of the SO3C Seamew which preceded it, the Curtiss-Wright SC Seahawk was arguably the US Navy's finest scout floatplane of the war despite the fact it saw action only during the final months of the conflict. It was designed to replace the Seamew and the Kingfisher for operation from battleships, cruisers, carriers as well as land bases since it was produced in both floatplane and landplane versions (the central float and outriggers could be replaced by a wheeled landing gear when necessary). The central float was also capable as acting as a bomb bay or a fuel tank. More remarkably, it was the only major scout floatplane built as a single seater with the pilot performing all operational functions although the rear fuselage could accommodate a stretcher. Given its late development, the Seahawk did not see action until mid-1945 during the invasion of Borneo, enjoying a brief career which extended post-war by which time most existing shipborne floatplanes began to be replaced by helicopters.

First flight of the prototype XSC-1 took place on 16 February 1944 with deliveries to the USN beginning late that same year as the SC-1. These were built in Columbus, Ohio as landplanes with fixed undercarriage: floats and outriggers were fitted by the US Navy itself when needed. The improved SC-2 began limited production but was cancelled after VJ Day, it featured a clear view canopy, a reshaped fin, and a jump seat behind the pilot.